When I look back on my nearly 50 years in practice, I find that there were many things I could have or should have done differently. Consequently, I would like to share six things I would do if I were starting my career again.
Dental school curricula have undoubtedly changed since I graduated and I am certain that schools today are, at a minimum, familiarizing students in the areas of orthodontic treatment with clear aligner therapy and implants from both the surgical and restorative aspects. I took an elective in orthodontics while in school that provided a basic understanding of how and why we can move teeth, at that time, with wires, elastics, and brackets. Today we have a vast array of companies that offer “a better way” to provide the same treatment but with clear aligners. This had become quite popular, initially with adults who did not want the “stigma” of wearing braces but wanted to correct misaligned dentition. Today, these clear aligner therapies are offered to our young teen and pre-teen patients as well. While implant and orthodontic treatment can be profitable to the practice’s bottom line, it can also be quite beneficial to the patient.
While I do restore implants, I made an elective decision not to place implants. However, I did take surgical placement courses so that I would be able to better understand the procedures involved and be better equipped to converse with the specialists who were placing them for my patients. If I were starting again, I would most definitely expand my knowledge and clinical skills to be able to place the implants for the patient. Of course, this would necessitate investing in a CBCT to maintain the standard of care as an implant provider.
Along the same lines of investing in technology, I would include artificial intelligence (AI) for radiographic interpretation and 3D printing for the myriad of applications in daily practice. With 3D printing, we can produce in-office surgical stents, nightguards, clear aligners, and provisional restorations in a very efficient and cost-effective manner.
AI radiographic interpretation can be beneficial in three ways. First and foremost, to us as the practitioner whereby we are almost getting a “second opinion,” which can very often eliminate the watch and wait concept we may have employed in the past. Second, it is a wonderful educational tool enabling us and/or our team to better explain to a patient what it is that we see on the radiograph that indicates the treatment(s) we are advocating. And lastly, more than 50% of the third-party carriers in the US are now using AI to review the radiographs we send them. Depending on the system used, this could and should eliminate the necessity of periodontal charting and disputed claims.
Many refer to the hygiene department in their practice as a profit center. While that may be true, I think of it as the center for providing and maintaining optimal oral health. As with any services that are offered, you must provide the education for the hygienist and the equipment to allow them to provide the therapies tailored to each individual patient’s need.
Lastly, it is most important that you find a balance between professional and personal life. Having personal time and family time is necessary to achieve and maintain optimal mental health. Dedicate time for your education, time for administering your practice, participating in organized dentistry, but never overlook time with those who need you most, your family.
About the Author
Dr. Glazer is a Fellow and Past President of the Academy of General Dentistry and a former Assistant Clinical Professor in Dentistry at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NY. Most recently, he received the Irwin Smigel Prize in Aesthetic Dentistry, presented by the New York University College of Dentistry for “Distinguished Achievement in the Art and Science of Aesthetic Dentistry.” He lectures throughout the United States, Canada, and overseas on dental materials, cosmetic dentistry, forensic dentistry and patient management. He maintains a general practice in Fort Lee, NJ, and is the Deputy Chief Forensic Dental Consultant to the Office of Chief Medical Examiner, City of New York.